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The Salem Witch Trials

Facts and Fictions

The Salem Witch Trials cover

The Salem Witch Trials

Facts and Fictions

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Pre-order. Available Feb 04 2027
$98.55 RRP $109.50 Website price saving $10.95 (10%)

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Description

Debunk the many myths and misconceptions about the Salem witch trials, and learn the real history behind this infamous event.

The Salem witch trials episode is among the most frequently mentioned chapters in American history, both domestically and internationally. Despite this widespread notoriety, the core set of facts known by the general public about the episode is astonishingly low in both depth and accuracy. The resulting erasure of historic truth has been often fueled by the very same prejudices that gave rise to the witchcraft hysteria in late 17th century New England. This book clearly presents the accurate historical record but with the added bonus of tracing many of the surrounding popular misconceptions. The authors invite you to compare and contrast the facts and fictions as a rewarding intellectual experience where one can expect to be fascinated and even amused by popular delusions as well as challenged about the veracity of their own assumptions.

Table of Contents

Series Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Origins of Many Misconceptions

Myth 1. Salem Victims Were Burned at the Stake
Myth 2. Accusations and Trials Were Aimed at Unpopular, Poor, Unmarried Women
Myth 3. The Witchcraft Trials Were the Result of Mob Action or “Vigilante Justice”
Myth 4. Large Numbers of People Were Accused, Found Guilty, and Executed
Myth 5. Accusations Were Limited to Only the Town of Salem
Myth 6. The Motivation for the Outbreak Was the Result of Girls Wanting to Have “Fun”
Myth 7. The Trials Ended Because Rich and Powerful People Began to Be Accused
Myth 8. Victims Were Executed by “Stoning”
Myth 9. Long-Standing Curses Were Placed upon Salem and Its People by Victims
Myth 10. The Trials Can Be Explained by Mental Illness or Poisoning
Myth 11. Real Witches Lived in 1692 Salem, and Real Witches Live in Salem Today

Conclusion: The Effects of the Salem Witch Trials on Contemporary Culture: The Profit of Myth
Bibliography
Index
About the Author

Product details

Bloomsbury Academic Test
Published Feb 04 2027
Format Hardback
Edition 1st
Pages 240
ISBN 9798765136423
Imprint Bloomsbury Academic
Illustrations Up to 10 b&w images
Dimensions 235 x 156 mm
Series Historical Facts and Fictions
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

K. David Goss

K. David Goss is Professor of History at Gordon Co…

Author

A. A. Grishin

A. A. Grishin is a professional multimedia creator…

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